‘Summer Camp’ to begin July 1

Fans are out of the equation as the Indians and 29 other majorleague teams seek to salvage what’s left of the 2020 season drastically altered by the novel coronavirus.

July 1, the Indians will welcome 40 players to Progressive Field for the start of what now is being called “Summer Camp.” It’s the restart of a season stopped dead in its tracks March 12 when all spring-training camps in Arizona and Florida were closed as part of the nationwide effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the potentially life-threatening disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Curtis Danburg, senior director of communications for the Indians, said the area around Progressive Field, including Gateway Plaza, will be cordoned off beginning July 1. Players will be tested for COVID-19 and work out informally until the first full-squad session July 3.

“Given the circumstances, it’s not possible to allow any fan access to the ballpark or the area around it,” Danburg said. “The first priority is to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

After protracted and often antagonistic negotiations between the office of Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and the Major League Baseball Players Association, agreement recently was reached on a 60-game regular-season schedule that will begin July 23 or 24. MLB has yet to unveil the schedules for the 30 teams.

Danburg said the Summer Camp will be conducted according to strictly enforced guidelines laid out in a 106page

manual published with the approval of Major League Baseball and the players association. Both clubhouses at Progressive Field will be utilized to insure physical distancing. Meal serving and other activities involving the players, Manager Terry Francona, coaches and staff members will be spread out to other areas of the ballpark.

“This changes everything about the way we do business,” Danburg said.

The shutting off of fans from activities at Progressive Field will continue during the regular season shortened to 60 games from the normal 162 games. The Indians will play 30 home games and 30 road games against teams from the American League Central and National League Central divisions.

Danburg said the Indians will “aggressively” reach out to fans through its media outlets on TV (SportsTime Ohio) and radio (WTAMAM 1100 and affiliated network stations), as well as the social media platforms of Twitter (@ Indians) and Facebook (Cleveland Indians).